Bhutia to lead Asiad football team

November 27, 2006 18:15 IST

Ace striker Baichung Bhutia will lead a 20-member Indian team in the 15th Asian Games Football Championship, starting at Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday.

The All India Football Federation announced the team, which will participate in the Games at its own expense after the Indian Olympic Association decided against clearing it, citing slim chances of success.

India, placed in Group D alongside Hong Kong, Maldives and Iraq, launch their campaign against Hong Kong on Wednesday.

The Indians are currently playing warm-up games in Dubai.

The AIFF has included two midfielders  Climax Lawrence of Dempo Sports Club and Chandam Chitrasen of Churchill Brothers and dropped Mehrajuddin Wadao, defender Narinder Singh and striker Tarif Ahmed Shaikh.